A Weight Loss Regime

Article in brief: the author takes a quick look on why we gain weight and what stops us from losing it.

Obesity is considered one of the most important predetermines of chronic medical conditions. As waistlines expand, so do the chances of being diagnosed with diabetes, increased cholesterol problems and heart conditions.

I often get asked what determines the rate of response of following a weight loss regime, why some diets work and others don’t, and what type of workout gives the fastest results.

The good news is: ANY diet or exercise regime that feels right to you will probably give you the best results. Now let’s dig into the details.

Body:

There are many physical reasons as to why your body might not be metabolizing at the rate it is supposed to. Eating habits and calorie intake is one of the main reasons.

So before looking at medical conditions that might be stopping you from reducing weight, start by looking at your energy expenditure. Make sure that your input (in terms of calories) equals your output (physical exercise).

Also, your thyroid plays a role in the metabolism and any thyroid dysfunctions can result in weight loss or gain. Women with polycystic ovaries often face weight gain or inability to lose weight. Other factors include liver disorders, glucose, and insulin as well as increased cortisol levels.

Mind:

Eating habits are often learned from home – how often you eat, how big or small the portions are, social eating (when food becomes associated with socializing), when to stop and when to snack. So noting down your eating habits can be a good start.

Weight loss starts from having the will to make changes to your eating habits happen and a desire to eat healthier in order to feel stronger and look better. Thoughts like “I can and I will” make the biggest difference.

Spirit:

Emotional eating is one of the most common causes of weight gain; this includes a range of emotional conditions from a stressful day at work to full blown depression. Food comes to the rescue and often represents something else – love, security or nurture.

People who have been hurt and are holding on to those emotions have a difficult time letting go of the weight as it represents some form of comfort.

Rx.

– If you are “trying” to lose weight, the first thing to change is your mindset. You start losing weight when you know you can.

– Make sure your hormones are in check through medical tests.

– Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks (5 times a day) to your maintain a balanced metabolism.

– Find a workout that makes you happy. Walking for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference if it becomes a habit. Any other form of exercise must be enjoyable and shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Whether it’s tennis, swimming, zumba, Pilates or yoga, as long as you are happy doing it. Your workout should be enjoyable so you don’t get bored and stop working out so soon.

– Lastly, any unresolved traumas or pain can stay in our bodies if we don’t release them. Being able to look at them from a neutral perspective and gain the lessons learned without holding onto the emotional baggage aids in losing weight dynamically.

Our bodies are gifts from God; we nourish them with healthy food, good deeds and graceful thoughts. And with that, everything is possible. How does it get any better than that?